DBacks Daily 10/16/07 - It's the end of the season as we know it

by snakecharmer on Oct 16, 2007 2:39 PM EDT in News Comment 100 comments

Quotes of the Day

#1: "It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone." ~ A. Bartlett Giamatti
#2: "People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." ~ Rogers Hornsby
#3: "To make no mistakes is not in the power of man; but from their errors and mistakes the wise and good learn wisdom for the future." ~ Plutarch

Well, here we are, 12 hours later, and it's still sinking in and the questions are still unanswered. How can our season be over already? How can we have just gotten swept by the Rockies? How come luck didn't go our way? Why didn't the offense show up? Who should we root for now? What's going to happen in the off-season?

There's plenty of time to think about all those questions now that we're out after 4 (Republic). Yes, a lot of things went the Rockies' way all series (MLB.com) but they were the catalysts for all those things happening - the good baserunning, the fabulous defense, the timely hits, the surprising bullpen. The Rockies were everything the Diamondbacks weren't (except our bullpen was pretty darn fabulous too). But the Diamondbacks never stopped battling (MLB.com) and came close, once again, in the 9th - they played all 27 outs, they were never out of it until the last ball was caught by Helton. Congratulations to the Rockies on a fabulous run, and stay hot. I hope you sweep right over the American League team you face next week.

A lot of things in this series can sum up the Dbacks' year.. the year of the strong bullpen, a lack of offense, young baserunners. But think of what we did right - we started three rookies, sometimes four. We blasted some mammoth home runs. We struck out some big opponents. We made some diving, leaping, and acrobatic catches. We have TSN's NL Manager of the Year. (MLB.com) And that is also indicative of the Dbacks' season, a season in which we had the best record in the league, won the NL West, and played our way into the NLCS. We should be very proud of the way they played through the year and remember they are likely to get even better next year. (MLB.com) This experience hurts, yes, but this team will come out strong again next year, knowing they can do it again.

Believe it or not it may be a relatively quiet winter (Republic) with a lot of the players still tied to us. But there are still plenty of questions to be answered. Do we trade away Chad Tracy and Carlos Quentin? Do we get a healthy RJ back (heh) come spring? Can Mark Reynolds learn not to strike out as much? Will Bonifacio beat out Callaspo for the reserve infielder spot? Who in the world will be our #5 starter? (Hm, that question sounds familiar...)

Stay tuned for all that and more... the off-season is just beginning. :)

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Comments

THE ROCKIES ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE

AND WE LET 'EM OFF THE HOOK.

Sorry, couldn't help it.

by Azreous on Oct 16, 2007 2:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

ha!

I was just coming to post the same thing.

Bob Melvin Sucks

by nihil67 on Oct 16, 2007 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just remember, folks

At least we're not Mets fans. Or Yankees fans.

I'm not superstitious- it's bad luck.

by kishi on Oct 16, 2007 3:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

People ask me what I do

People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I lament over all of the stupid trades and signings :)

I would really prefer that neither Tracy or Quentin got traded. If Melvin's insantiy platoon at 1st is going to continue, I'd prefer it be with Tracy over Clark. Tracy can also play left and right.

Quentin still just has too much potential. You have to let him and Upton battle it out in sprint training.

5th starter? Scherzer, Murphy, Gonzalez (there's only one now), or JASON JENNINGS.

Let's get this post-post-season on.

Bob Melvin Sucks

by nihil67 on Oct 16, 2007 3:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

5th starter

Maybe the answer is a better 2 starter. I was hoping to see someone brought in through trade. Isnt it possible to get Garland? or Willis would be a good #4 starter. Livo is leaving, and Johnson is no guarantee.

Dump tracy-callaspo, and dammit EXTEND HUDSONS CONTRACT!!!!

Where there's a Rockies win, there's a Tim McClellan. I'm just sayin...

by Adam1 on Oct 16, 2007 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Willis

Stay away from Dontrelle. He's a 5th starter and will cost a fortune. Dude's getting worse in his "peak" years instead of better.

by AZSEAfan on Oct 16, 2007 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You really want

CJ to be our opening day 1B again?

by AZSEAfan on Oct 16, 2007 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No.

I can't take 162 games of hearing about 5+ runs and the relevance of batting orders. I think I'd go crazy.

Oh, wrong CJ.

by Azreous on Oct 16, 2007 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

funniest comment

in a long time. Wow. Thanks for the laugh #7.

by johngordonma on Oct 17, 2007 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Owings

I heard Bickley on the radio this morning talking about them trying Owings at first base next year, so I'm thinking instead of pitching. Then I realize they were talking about him pitching and playing first base on days he doesn't pitch. Am I going crazy or is that something that is even possible or even been done before?

by TwinnerA on Oct 16, 2007 3:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Really?

That sounds sort of insane. Maybe he could do both, and start picking off runners by himself?

We'll see....

I'm not superstitious- it's bad luck.

by kishi on Oct 16, 2007 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why not?

Oh, right, because we ALREADY HAVE CONOR JACKSON.

WTF is everyone's opposition to CoJack?

Bob Melvin Sucks

by nihil67 on Oct 16, 2007 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Personally...

I still like CoJack. But the criticism against him is that he is supposed to be putting up more power numbers than he has. I'd rather see him get more hits like his RBI up the middle to work on his batting average more than his power numbers.

by dbacksfan55555 on Oct 16, 2007 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Are we already starting this?

Conor Jackson had a higher OPS, OBP, and SLG% then the 10 million dollar man.

He hit 15 homers in 130 games (415 at bats). You give him 160 starts, like Byrnes got, and you're looking at 19 homers.

His defense is the only place he's lacking.

Bob Melvin Sucks

by nihil67 on Oct 16, 2007 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

In what league

is 19 homeruns good for a first baseman?

by AZSEAfan on Oct 16, 2007 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also

Out of all NL first basemen with at least 400 AB's, the only guy with less HR's was Dmitri Young but he Dmitri had more doubles, had a better average, OBP, SLG and had more RBI.

Conor hits more like a second baseman in the 8 hole than a cleanup 1B. Plus his defense is horrid.

by AZSEAfan on Oct 16, 2007 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ok

Please tell me who should be at 1st then.

Bob Melvin Sucks

by nihil67 on Oct 16, 2007 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Carlos Gonzalez, maybe?

Since we don't need another outfielder?

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 16, 2007 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd like that

CarGo is in a bad situation considering the current situation and seeing as how I'd rather see the DBacks build from within as opposed to trading talent, CarGo could be a good choice. Another would be to give Tracy another shot. He has proven he can be a great player for us, but injuries have hurt him, especially this season, TC MAY leave, so that might be the way to go regardless

by dbacksfan55555 on Oct 16, 2007 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Problem with Tracy

is that the LHP's make him look like a school girl with a stick. I'm all for giving CarGon a shot or anyone that can put the ball in the gap or over the fence from time to time.

by AZSEAfan on Oct 16, 2007 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well

In the NL, it'd put him 9th on the list for 1st basemen. We have a 30 homer guy in center, which isn't common, is it ok with you if we just consider it a trade-off?

Bob Melvin Sucks

by nihil67 on Oct 16, 2007 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or

you could consider Young a luxury and still find a power bat for 1B. Why should there be a trade-off? Is it impossible to have both?

by AZSEAfan on Oct 16, 2007 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have the answer

We'll just call up Chris Carter... oh... wait.

Where do you suppose that we pull a "power bat for 1B" from?

Bob Melvin Sucks

by nihil67 on Oct 16, 2007 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not to be a smartass

but if all of the other teams in baseball can do it, why can't we?

by AZSEAfan on Oct 17, 2007 2:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

All the other teams?

What are you smoking? Let's look at the list of guys who are "slugglers" at 1st.

Fielder - 50 - MIL
Howard - 47 - PHI
Pena - 46 - TB
Ortiz - 35 - BOS (not a 1b)
Berkman - 34 - HOU
Pujols - 32 - STL
Konerko - 31 - CHW
Morneau - 31 - MIN
Gonzalez - 30 - SD
Teixiera - 30 - ATL

I'm not sure what your definition of good is, so I stopped at 30. I see one guy that any team could have had and that's Carlos Pena, who I'm pretty sure nobody expected to even play this year, let alone do anything.

If we're going to penalize Jackson for not having the counting stats, you have to give him points for dealing with an insane manager that won't play him every day.

Lastly, I only see 2 of the 8 playoff teams represented here. Having a power hitter does not equal wins.

Bob Melvin Sucks

by nihil67 on Oct 17, 2007 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If he can play a full year like he did post ASB,

then he might be worth keeping at first.

Also, pointing out that only 2 of the 8 playoff teams are have 1Bs on your list is a little disingenuous. Milwaukee and San Diego almost made it with Fielder and Gonzalez. Including AL teams is somewhat deceptive as well since they have the DH and don't need as much power from first.

Look at the season #s for the other 1Bs who made the postseason from the NL:
Derrek Lee - .313 BA, .913 OPS, 22 HRs
Todd Helton - .320, .928, 17, but much, much better on defense

Home run numbers or not, those two guys are both better "sluggers" than CoJack with his .836 OPS this season.

Really, the only postseason 1B who compares to CoJack is Ryan Garko - .289, .842, 21 HRs, 26 years old. Garko's like a carbon copy of our 1B. However, when you've got Pronk in the lineup, you can afford to do that.

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 17, 2007 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oops

"With Pronk in the lineup"

I was told we can't substitute. We have to have a power hitter at 1st, no exceptions.

The argument of OPS is very valid and I think that Conor's .926 OPS post-ASB compares very nicely to what Lee and Helton did. I'm still willing to conceed that he's not a gold glover at 1st, but y'all need to agree that he's gotten better every year. Remember that this was just the 3rd season that he's played 1st.

The guy's only 25... isn't it reasonable to consider that he'll keep getting better if we let him play?

Bob Melvin Sucks

by nihil67 on Oct 17, 2007 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

In regards to his defense

I would imagine he knows as well as the coaches that that was definately a liability at times this year. It might be a thing he concentrates on this off-season, especially that he's proven he can hit. Hopefully the organization will work with him on it.

Stay grindy, my friends.

by soco on Oct 17, 2007 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, you can't sub a CF for a 1B.

But the AL is a whole different story because there's a guy in the lineup whose sole job is to be a slugger, so you don't have to get as much production from 1B. 1B is traditionally a slugging position because defense there is less important/easier to play than elsewhere.

I don't know the defensive numbers for sure, but I'll concede that he's gotten better. It's tough to say it now, since his error in NLCS Game 4, but backing off a bit, I think he's improving and I think he'll keep on improving. He'll never be as good as Tony Clark, if for no other reason than the sheer wingspan.

Like I said, if he can play a full year like he did this year after the ASB, I'll be content. I'd still like more of those doubles to go over the fence, but I'm not labeling him a bust the way some people are.

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 17, 2007 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

One advantage CoJack has

over our other two real options at 1B (Reynolds/Tracy) is that he doesn't strike out nearly as much at those two. He's still a young guy and I bet if he was given a chance to get 500 AB his numbers might be better.

Stay grindy, my friends.

by soco on Oct 17, 2007 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Reynolds at first?

Have we ever done that?

Does anyone know whether there's any thought in the organization as to trying Owings out at 1B rather than OF?

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 17, 2007 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not this season

He did play 8 games at first in Lancaster last year.

I'm not superstitious- it's bad luck.

by kishi on Oct 17, 2007 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No Reynolds hasn't

but here's something to also think about if Reynolds or Tracy could work at 1B: Jackson at 3B, his natural position. Reynolds has more power, and the easier defensive may help him, so seems to be more of a prototypical 1B.

Another fun fact that I just saw is that Reynolds and Jackson have the same amount errors this year. Perhaps both would go down if they switched.

Stay grindy, my friends.

by soco on Oct 17, 2007 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Errors

Does everyone forget how bad Tracy was at third? The fact that Reynolds and CJ have the same amount of errors is actually pretty disturbing since I'm pretty sure Reynolds had a crap load more balls hit his way.

by AZSEAfan on Oct 17, 2007 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It seems to me...

...that Tracy was pretty bad at third. Reynolds is quite a bit better, but I think Tracy was better at third than CoJack is at first.

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 17, 2007 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tracy

had 25 errors in 2005 and 25 errors in 2006. He had 4 before being injured this year.

Stay grindy, my friends.

by soco on Oct 17, 2007 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Where do we pull a power bat for 1B from?

Tony Clark's cold, dead fingers.

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 17, 2007 2:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's All About the Future Now

It's possible that the Rox have lost their last game in 2007. Wouldn't surprise me at all.

One thing that the D-Bax might want to consider is the possibility of imitating whatever the Rox did in spring training to improve their fielding. I seem to recall a comment by Hurdle that they worked on defense from the first day of spring training. (Of course, another thing the Rox seem to have done is find an official scorer at Coors Field who ruled the right way.)

But, all in all, losing this way is not entirely bad. The team, from Josh Byrnes on down, got the clear message that improvement is still necessary, and that there are formidable foes in the NL West. And the way the D-Bax played the last few innings of the last game of the NLCS will leave a heritage of pride and devotion for next year's team. The last image of the season was Byrnes desperately trying to make it to first on a grounder. For all his faults, Eric Byrnes leaves us with memorable (and sometimes ridiculous) images. "False hustle," my eye.

Meanwhile, Josh Byrnes can afford to take a fairly passive stance in the trade market. He can wait and see what develops. The team probably has at least one extra corner infielder, and maybe an outfielder to trade away. I can't imagine the Diamondbacks will be active in the free-agent market, except probably to wave good-bye to Livan Hernandez.

Emilio Bonifacio looks like a better possibility for the spare infield position than Callaspo, who may be one of those guys that needs a change of scenery.

And one more puzzling matter, at least to me: why do I not hear even the slightest murmur about the idea of getting Micah Owings to play a position? The team clearly needs at least one industrial-strength slugger. Among the players we have, Mark Reynolds and Micah Owings seem like the only really serious possibilities. (Yeah, okay, maybe I should have included Chris Young. But he looks to me more like our version of Soriano - not at all a bad thing to say, but not our answer to Lou Gehrig. Anyhow, I seem to remember that the guy that hit in front of Gehrig was a converted pitcher.) Last night as I was starting to adjust my mind to basketball, I think I heard one of the announcers say that if you projected Micah's hitting onto a full season you would get something like a .330 batting average, forty home runs, and 150 RBI's.

And heaps and bunches of thanks and accolades to Snakepit for making the season more fun.

FormerGiantFan

by FormerGiantFan on Oct 16, 2007 3:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Why Owings doesn't play a position

Because he's a fairly decent pitcher. Why mess with that?

Bob Melvin Sucks

by nihil67 on Oct 16, 2007 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

and believe he can only get better as a pitcher. There were games this year where he was fabulous and others when he fell apart in the 4th or 5th inning. He's a rookie pitcher and I don't want to see him converted to a position player unless the pitching thing doesn't work out.

by TwinnerA on Oct 16, 2007 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

They talked about

starting to get ready for that in spring training. the idea is you could bring in a lefty specialist for one hitter, put owings at 1st, then bring him back. it just seems like that would burn up too many players.

As for Byrnes on the last play.... I thought a player gets to 1st faster without diving. maybe im wrong. i guess it doesnt/didnt really make a difference anyways

Where there's a Rockies win, there's a Tim McClellan. I'm just sayin...

by Adam1 on Oct 16, 2007 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I believe Mythbusters tested that...

...and one does get into the base faster by sliding.

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 16, 2007 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good.

I guess thats why i dont make $10M

Where there's a Rockies win, there's a Tim McClellan. I'm just sayin...

by Adam1 on Oct 16, 2007 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

They got that wrong, actually.

They did sliding into second, not running through first. They were slowing down so as to not overrun the base. I expected so much more from Jamie & Adam, et al....

by Louchart45 on Oct 17, 2007 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wouldn't burn up players

Let's say Conor Jackson is starting at first and Reynolds is starting at third, with Owings pitching (like last night). Owings gets into trouble, or someone makes an error or something (you know, like last night). Bring in a lefty specialist for one batter, move Owings to first and keep him in his spot in the order (if he's coming up), and then move him back to the mound and put Tracy (if he's healthy) or god forbid, Tony Clark, at first. You only sub one 1B and the specialist himself. But usually the reason you take a pitcher out of pitching is that you don't think he's ready to pitch any more. So more likely you have him start as a pitcher, and instead of doing a double-switch when he's done, you move him to 1B and don't move him back to the mound.

by andrewinnewyork on Oct 16, 2007 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

I was thinking about it at lunch and it really wouldnt burn up too much. The only time i could really see it happening though would be in extreme situations. like a player comes up that 'owns' him, with bases loaded and 2 outs or something. i dont know.

Where there's a Rockies win, there's a Tim McClellan. I'm just sayin...

by Adam1 on Oct 16, 2007 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can't give you the specifics but...

..the Mets did this with one of their players in the 80's. It might have been Franco but I am not sure. The pitcher would switch with an outfielder (believe it or not) for left handed hitters. It seemed to work very well for them. I think that a team should be flexible. Why should there be hard and fast rules? Micah loves to hit and said he would miss playing in the field when he was drafted as a pitcher. I don't think they should ignore his amazing hitting ability just because he has been labelled a pitcher. They should nuture and exploit it. Hey, Babe Ruth did it.

I agree with TwinnerA (again), Micah is a rookie that has shown lots of potential as a pitcher given more experience and a larger repertoire of pitches. One note--since I usually don't get to see the games on TV only GameDay, one thing I noticed during the series was how Micah defends that the mound and the surrounding area much better than other pitchers. I don't know if he ends up after his pitch in a stance that allows him to do this or he is just more athletic but it's almost like getting another infielder.

by batster on Oct 16, 2007 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Mets...

Also have some precedence in pitcher switching, back in that hilarious game from the '86 World Series. As the game headed toward extra innings, they had Roger McDowell and Jesse Orosco switching between the outfield and pitching depending on who was at the plate. Went on for five innings, I believe, before the Mets finally pulled out a win.

Shame we don't have a left-handed Micah Owings too.

by Azreous on Oct 17, 2007 4:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hmmm...

After his performance in the NLCS, maybe Double D?

;-) JK. (I think)

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 17, 2007 5:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Working on defense...

I've been thinking the exact same thing, actually. BoMel should have the players focus on extra defensive practice, starting in Spring Training, just like Hurdle did. It paid off for them, and it can do the same for us.

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 16, 2007 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Their defense

was kind of like their hitting this season, it came and went at the most inopportune times.

by TwinnerA on Oct 16, 2007 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hilarious

Melvin teach fundamentals? That's the funniest thing I've heard today.

Bob Melvin Sucks

by nihil67 on Oct 16, 2007 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well....

If Clint Hurdle and his "manage by the guts" style ('My gut told me to start Helton at 3rd today... oh, shit, that's just gas! NOOO!!') can do it, BoMel can do it. We played solid, fundamental baseball for most of the entire second half of the season -- at least until the NLCS, unfortunately. :(

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 16, 2007 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Besides

it's not a MLB manager's job to teach fundamentals. We all learn those (or we should) in Little League and high school ball. These guys should already know how to play defense and run the bases.

by AZSEAfan on Oct 16, 2007 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Except....

....that the manager tells the team what they're going to practice, and how often.

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 16, 2007 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I almost agree

Most of this coaching happens in the minors and the fall/winter/instructional leagues.

The managers don't really coach too much. The managers fill out the lineup cards and make the in-game decisions. If anything, it's the bench, pitching, hitting, and other role coaches that try to tweak or improve a certain aspect of a player's skillset.

Like most ideal "real-world" managers, Melvin basic job is to hire the right people and to let them run the show.

by AZSEAfan on Oct 16, 2007 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

'Most of the coaching happens in the minors'

Of course it does, if not before. But Clint Hurdle focused his team on defense from the very beginning of the year. I'm not sure why we wouldn't be able to do the same.

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 16, 2007 10:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hurdle

also has better natural defenders in a few spots than we do. But...I don't think our defense is that bad outside of a few positions. While 1B is a sore spot (with either current option), Upton will get better with more outfield experience and Drew and Reynolds should improve. Byrnes, on the other hand, still takes bad routes and is more concerned with the landing of his flip to pay attention to the accuracy of his throws.

by AZSEAfan on Oct 17, 2007 2:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

As a reminder of this season...

...apparently my dad was at a charity auction and bid on, and won, a baseball signed by.... the 2007 Arizona Diamondbacks. :-D

How sweet is that??

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 16, 2007 5:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Made a quick background to get me through the ..

.. winter

http://i22.tinypic.com/fd51m8.jpg
http://i21.tinypic.com/m8efza.jpg
http://i22.tinypic.com/ekkehx.jpg

by oklahomasooners on Oct 16, 2007 5:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

offseason

If they think they can sit on their laurals and expect to win all those one run games again and win the division they are smoking something.
Right now we do not match up with the Rockies for all but one or two positions. If moves are not made to improve this club we could be looking at 3rd or 4th place. Are these players going to learn to hit between now and when the bell rings for 2008?

by kylerkenney on Oct 16, 2007 6:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I think...

I expect the same performance out of the pitching staff (starters and relievers). Webb will be great as usual, Owings has improved and will get better, Davis is fine (please throw less balls), and RJ was doing fantastic before his injury. We really need to address hitting. It will be nice to have Hudson back but we have got to get serious about getting another big time bat here. I agree that if we don't address the offensive problem, we might well finish third or fourth next season.

by oklahomasooners on Oct 16, 2007 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Heyyyyyyy!!!!

CY led the NL in post season walks (tied w/hawpe at 7)

Where there's a Rockies win, there's a Tim McClellan. I'm just sayin...

by Adam1 on Oct 16, 2007 7:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

He was waaaay more disciplined during the offseason than he was during the regular season.

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 16, 2007 10:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I tried to avoid saying it

but he also led in strike outs. I'm tryin to be positive here.

2007 NLCS: the little scratch on the roof of your mouth that would heal if only you could stop tonguing it... but you can.

by Adam1 on Oct 16, 2007 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not surprised,

but he still drew more walks than anyone expected, I think. I'll forgive him the Ks.

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 16, 2007 11:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hear

Alex Rodriguez might be available.

by andrewinnewyork on Oct 16, 2007 8:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That would bring alot of

unwanted publicity.

"very cunning Mr. *VIII*" -- Jim

by Mr. Philosophical on Oct 16, 2007 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm sure the Dbacks could afford him

..they're just rolling in money for next year. ;)

by batster on Oct 16, 2007 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know if anyone is watching Cleveland-BoSox

Firstly, nice to see the Indians winning again. Secondly, Paul Byrd looks kinda like John C. Reilly's older brother. Third, I really despise Manny Ramirez right now. I hope he gets plunked the rest of his postseason ABs.

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 16, 2007 10:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I've been following it

Francona is going to get a lot of heat for not starting Beckett.

I'm not superstitious- it's bad luck.

by kishi on Oct 16, 2007 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Likely.

Wakefield pitched pretty well until the Injun's big inning, though.

I've always liked Tim Wakefield.

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 16, 2007 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like Tim Wakefield too...

I hope the Red Sox pull this one out. They've done it before but if they don't, I will be so bummed. I had a 75% chance of having one of my teams in the WS. Not bad odds then the Dbacks forgot to show up for the NLCS. Now, if the Sox lose, I'm going to do something ...... ok I will be sad. At least one of your teams made it Skins. We all know that you are a ROCKIES FAN!!!! Esp. given your summer vacations in Littleton with your cousins.

by batster on Oct 16, 2007 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow...

Nah. ;-) I'd like the Rox to win because they're an inoffensive NL West team (the only other one, if you ask me) and because of the good comradeship we've had with Purple Row, and because they've never done it. Additionally, if I had had summer vacations in Denver/Littleton, I might have been a Rox fan. But my Colorado vacations were almost entirely restricted to skiing.

On another note, Joe Girardi?? He's in the Fox postgame show now?? Smart guy. Kind of a douche, though.

On another another note, aren't you a Pats fan? There's always them.

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 16, 2007 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually, I'm a Colts fan but the Pats are my ..

..#2 team.. But baseball is my first love. If the Sox don't win, my evenings will be free to do all the things I have been putting off. Joe Girardi..is that the Yankees fan one who totally dissed the Sox. Yeah, I just muted him.

And, Phil, (I may call you Phil?) you did mention summering in Colorado a month or so ago because I mentioned to you that I spent a summer in Colorado Springs too. You also mentioned skiing. I am cursed with a good memory. Speaking of your name, you must be of English descent because "Phil" is not a common name any more. It's a big name on my dad's side of the family--very English.

by batster on Oct 17, 2007 12:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You like the Colts AND Pats??

Blasphemy!!

Joe Girardi played catcher for a few teams, one of whom was the Yankees (for about 3 years I believe) and one of whom, since we're on the subject, was the Rockies. He was MOTY during his first year for the Marlins last year, and then got sacked by Jeffrey Loria. (Loria's a great owner, isn't he? First the Expos and now the Marlins. Such a successful track record.) He went to one of the Chicago schools; I think it was Northwestern. He flirted with the Orioles after Sam Perlozzo was fired, and they wanted to hire him, but he turned them down. The consensus around the league was that he was just trying to get his name back in the news because he wants to manage the Yankees after Torre gets fired. (Which now looks like it may not happen. Haha!!) As to whether or not he insulted the Red Sox, I have no idea.

Yes, you may call me Phil. I do remember us having this conversation, when I was talking to Silverblood during one of her first visits here. However, I've only actually ever "summered" in Colorado once; all the other visits were for skiing.

Phil is a big name on my dad's side of the family too, but the only English in me is a sliver from my mom's mostly Irish side of the family. My dad's side is Italian, and the first Philip on that side was an Italian immigrant in the early 20th century. (There have been four more since, including me)

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 17, 2007 12:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Manny

being Manny,yeah whatever. I am surprised when he hit that homer he didn't turn around and face the crowd as he Cadillaced (sp?) his way to first base. Jerk.

by TwinnerA on Oct 17, 2007 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Christ... (No, seriously. It's about the Rockies.)

There are already plans to make a movie about the 2007 Colorado Rockies.

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 17, 2007 1:39 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That's satire

Seriously. Not real. Just a hackneyed title and Photoshop fun. ;)

Friendly visiting Rockies fan.

by Silverblood on Oct 17, 2007 1:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Really?????????

Next you'll be telling me that The Onion isn't real either. ;)

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 17, 2007 2:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Onion is real

Of course The Onion is real!! (It's just their stories that are fake. And sometimes not all that fake.)

"Are we out of bananas? No, we are in of bananas."

by 4CornersFan on Oct 17, 2007 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, by that criterion,

Joe Sportsfan is "real" too.

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 17, 2007 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Onion?

Nah, that's gospel.

Friendly visiting Rockies fan.

by Silverblood on Oct 17, 2007 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Next you'll try and tell me

that the Rockies allow people of other religions in their dugout. Yeah, right!

Stay grindy, my friends.

by soco on Oct 17, 2007 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Eh...

Heard about that one too much already. Come on now. Did you know we have TWO Jewish players, and several more that aren't even Christian? ;) Charlie Monfort's tool-ness made me wince.

Friendly visiting Rockies fan.

by Silverblood on Oct 17, 2007 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Silver....

I have this funny feeling that even though a bunch of us are sticking around to root for the Rockies, you're still going to have to endure some "Team Jesus"-style ribbing. ;-)

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 17, 2007 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, I know

I'm just tired of hearing about it, that's all. Especially since it's, oh, not true...

Friendly visiting Rockies fan.

by Silverblood on Oct 17, 2007 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

According to Ryan Spilborghs

aka resident clubhouse clown, Vin Diesel should play Holliday, Robert De Niro should play Helton, and Tony Danza should play him.

Friendly visiting Rockies fan.

by Silverblood on Oct 17, 2007 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Vin Diesel? Did The Rock have another committment?

Spilly's a moron. Tony Danza's too old to play him. :-D

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 17, 2007 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What Spilly is

is an inveterate goofball. He was the one who suggested, "Uh... The Big Black and Gray Machine?" when asked for a nickname. When asked about incorporating purple, he said, "Well, I think Purple People Eaters was already taken." He's a cut-up.

Friendly visiting Rockies fan.

by Silverblood on Oct 17, 2007 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I spose every team has its Orlando Hudsons.

Does Spilly speak rapidly, constantly and undecipherably as well?

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Oct 17, 2007 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He talks a lot

and he does talk fast. But I can usually understand him. :D

Friendly visiting Rockies fan.

by Silverblood on Oct 17, 2007 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Josh...

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/articles/1017dbnotes1017.html

Please... no....

Bob Melvin Sucks

by nihil67 on Oct 17, 2007 11:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I wonder

how hard of an effort Josh Byrnes will make to resign Clark.

Stay grindy, my friends.

by soco on Oct 17, 2007 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not sure

But I know there's guy on the market I'd rather have. Matt Stairs and Mike Lamb, for instance.

Bob Melvin Sucks

by nihil67 on Oct 17, 2007 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like

the Stairs idea but I'm afraid Lamb may be a bit of a product of Minute Maid. Not a bad player at all but his road OPS is 124 points lower than his home. Weird thing with Lamb is that he doesn't seem like he should be 32 years old.

by AZSEAfan on Oct 17, 2007 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs